Texas Senate Advances Education Voucher Bill Amid Opposition from Teachers’ Association

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Senate has advanced Senate Bill 2, a measure that would establish education savings accounts to fund private school tuition, sparking opposition from educators who warn it could harm public schools and teachers’ pay.

The Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) opposes the bill, arguing that diverting state funds to private school vouchers would make it harder for public schools to secure adequate funding, potentially impacting teacher salaries.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared the issue an emergency item in his State of the State address, accelerating the legislative process. The bill would provide families with at least $10,000 per year for private school tuition through state-managed education savings accounts.

According to TSTA, the bill’s initial $1 billion cost could swell to $6 billion by the 2028-29 budget period, worsening financial strains on public schools and leading to teacher shortages. The association also pointed to similar programs in other states, such as Arizona and Florida, where public education funding was reduced as voucher programs expanded.

Additionally, it was highlighted that private schools are not held to the same regulatory standards as public schools, including teacher certification and background checks. Some Texas school districts have already responded to staffing shortages by hiring more first-time, uncertified teachers.

The legislation now moves to the Texas House, where a similar bill failed in 2023. The House has yet to file its version of the education savings account proposal.